Australian-German rider Heinrich Haussler has turned professional with team Gerolsteiner, signing a two-year contract with the German ProTour team at the end of last year. Born in Inverell, Australia, the son of a German father and an Australian mother left his home aged only 14 to stay with his grandmother in Cottbus, with a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve: become a professional cyclist. The now 20 year-old quickly brought about results, winning the German Championships in 2000 as a Novice and becoming German Junior time-trial champion in 2002.
At Gerolsteiner, Haussler will be able to develop his talent without feeling pressure - at least, not in his first year as a pro. "I'm only 20 years old, and have a lot of time ahead of me," he told Cyclingnews at least week's team presentation in Gerolstein. "With Christian Henn and Udo Bölts [Gerolsteiner's DS - ed.], we've arranged for me to participate at smaller stage races, but take it easy. After one year, we'll see where I stand. The team wants me to build up my capabilities steadily. I will get my chance within the team, but first I have to work for it."
